HOME ECONOMICS

What is the course about?
This course covers a wide range of issues linked to essential life skills.
There are three main areas of study:
1 The Consumer and Society – family types, human need, use of resources.
2 Food Production - factors affecting food choice and diet, equipment used in food preparation, food legislation, current issues of concern regarding food.
3 Food Science and Technology – nutrition, food safety and hygiene, food spoilage and preservation.

Which skills and/experience would be useful or essential?
A GCSE in Food and Nutrition or Food Technology is useful but not essential. It is also useful to have studied science to GCSE and to be confident in the use of ICT. You must be able to work as a team member and independently and must be well organised.

How will I learn and be assessed?
You will have presentations, discussions, group work, individual research and practical sessions. You will develop skills in analysis, planning and evaluation plus essential life skills. You will be assessed by a piece of coursework (15hrs), a case study (6 hours – exam conditions) and a 1.5 hour written examination.

What opportunities are available to me?
Higher Education and/or careers in retail management, human resources management, education, health services, the food technology industry, journalism.